Woman punched and spat at between Balham and Streatham Station

British Transport  Police (BTP) officers are appealing for witnesses after a woman passenger was punched and spat at onboard a train travelling between Balham and Streatham stations.

Investigating Officer PC Neil Allison said the incident took place onboard a Victoria to Sutton service, at 9.45pm on Wednesday, 5 October:

"The victim, a 35-year-old woman from Lambeth, was travelling in the third or fourth carriage, when she became aware of a man talking very loudly into his phone and using language that she found offensive.

"She politely asked him to tone down his language, but in return received a torrent of abuse.

"Shortly after, as the victim rose to leave the train at Streatham Common Junction station, the pair exchanged further words after the man made a sucking noise.

"The man then suddenly spat in the victim's face before punching her hard on the left side of her face, leaving her with facial bruising and swelling.

PC Allison said that the woman was left shaken and upset by the man's behaviour, and he is keen to talk to anyone who may have witnessed the incident. He went on:

"This was an unprovoked attack on a woman who had simply asked the man to tone down his language. The carriage was very busy and I'd like to hear from anyone who knows the man responsible, or who saw what happened, as they may be able to assist our investigation.

"After viewing CCTV, I would like to identify and speak to the man in this photograph as I believe he will have information about this incident.

"Crime on the network remains extremely low and offences of this nature are very rare. However, it's vital that we find the person responsible and I would urge anyone with information to come forward and contact British Transport Police straight away."

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, quoting incident number B8 of 09/11/2011, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111